Plymouth Furniture Company legacy lives on as Plymouth Soapworks expands into historic property on Main Street

PLYMOUTH — After more than a century as a cornerstone of Main Street, the Plymouth Furniture Company buildings — located at 151 and 167 Main Street — have officially changed hands. The sale marks the end of an era for the Lurie family, who have owned and operated the business since 1923, and the beginning of a new chapter under local business owner Angie Miller, founder and owner of Plymouth Soapworks.

The transaction was made possible through the efforts of two experienced local real estate professionals: Lorna Platts Sirois, broker/owner of Old Mill Properties, represented the sellers, and Amanda McDonald, a longtime professional with Roche Realty Group, represented the buyer. Both agents — backed by two of the Lakes Region’s most respected, independently owned brokerages — worked closely to ensure a smooth, community-focused transition of one of Plymouth’s most iconic commercial properties.

The property includes two commercial buildings: one offering approximately 12,000 square feet of finished space — not including a full basement — and another 1,300 square feet structure, along with a private parking lot, a rare amenity in downtown Plymouth. With over 320 feet of road frontage on Main Street, the site offers significant visibility and potential for future growth and development.

The Lurie family reflected on the sale with gratitude and emotion.

“In 1923, our grandfather, Solomon Steinman, started Plymouth Furniture Company as a small store that catered to the tastes and needs of the Greater Plymouth community,” they said in a statement. “Since then, 151 Main Street has been a mainstay of North Main Street, watching Plymouth grow and change. We’ve served four generations of local families, and it’s been an honor. Though the business is closing, we know the building is in great hands.”

Solomon Steinman’s journey is central to the building’s legacy. After emigrating from Minsk, Russia, in 1917 and crossing Siberia to reach the U.S., he eventually settled in Plymouth and planted roots. Miller has chosen to keep the property named Steinman Block, ensuring his story continues to be part of the town’s future.

The buyer, Angie Miller, is a small business owner with a big vision. As the founder of Plymouth Soapworks, she has spent years creating eco-friendly, plastic-free products that are both sustainable and accessible. Her commitment to community and the environment runs deep — and now, she’s ready to expand that mission within the walls of Steinman Block.

Miller’s own story is equally rooted in resilience and vision. Raised in nearby Hebron under difficult conditions, she became a mother at 17, attended college as the first in her family, earned a master’s degree, and spent 20 years as a public school teacher before founding Plymouth Soapworks — a successful, mission-driven business focused on accessible, sustainable products.

She sees Steinman Block as an extension of downtown Plymouth, already known for its walkable streets, local shops, restaurants, and cafés. Her redevelopment plans will add new value to Main Street by welcoming a variety of small businesses — from wellness professionals and artists to educators and entrepreneurs. She envisions pottery classes, a yoga studio, photography and art spaces, esthetician offices, and a cozy café-bookstore — owned and operated by the community, for the community.

“This building isn’t just a space. It’s a legacy,” said Miller. “Our goal is to keep Plymouth locally owned and locally loved. I want to create space for others in town to grow their own ideas and give back — just like I’ve had the chance to.”

Miller also plans to honor the past with a permanent plaque inside the building telling the story of Solomon Steinman, and eventually, a mural on the back wall facing the train tracks that celebrates his journey from Minsk to New Hampshire.

“This was more than a transaction. It was a true collaboration,” said McDonald. “It’s rare to see a sale happen with such clarity, mutual respect, and shared purpose. This deal had soul — from the Lurie family’s remarkable history to Angie’s passion and vision for the future.”

“This building has been a huge part of Plymouth’s story,” said Platts Sirois. “Working with the Lurie family was an honor. They’ve been

incredibly thoughtful in making sure the next chapter continues to serve the community.”

With new ownership, a renewed purpose, and strong ties to its roots, Steinman Block is set to become a vibrant extension of Main Street and a hub for community-centered businesses in downtown Plymouth. Plymouth Soapworks remains open at its current location — 2 Post Office Square in Plymouth, right next to the Post Office.

Lorna Platts Sirois, the listing agent, is the owner and broker of Old Mill Properties, LLC in Bristol. She can be reached at the office at 603-744-8526 or on her cell at 603-630-6481.

Amanda McDonald, the buyer’s agent, is a real estate professional with Roche Realty Group in Meredith, and can be reached at the office at 603-279-7046 or on her cell at 603-707-0739.